Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Yearwood.
Hi Melissa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I first delved into the world of art at a young age, maybe 11 or 12. I knew, even at that age, that I wanted to tattoo people someday. I was simply fascinated by all things to do with tattoos; the history behind it, how it’s used in different cultures, all the ways you could apply them, literally everything. I got my first tattoo at 17 (in my origin state, Florida, it is legal with parental consent to be tattooed at that age), and that’s when my eyes really opened. I loved the feeling of it, I know that sounds crazy! I was enthralled with the experience, the adrenaline rush of my first tattoo, having something meaningful to me be part of me forever…it’s like my heart and mind connected the dots.
In February 2020, I began hand-poking tattoos, mostly on myself and trusted friends. In October 2020, I began an apprenticeship which led me to learn how to use a machine for tattooing. I decided in January 2021 to move to my current shop, Panda’s Den Tattoo, and we are about to celebrate one year of being open!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road, but it hasn’t been super rocky either. One of the more difficult things in my opinion is finding an apprenticeship. In such a big city such as Austin, it’s easy for people not to take you seriously in this industry. Another small struggle as a newer artist would be building trust with clients. It sort of reverts back to there being so many already established artists in Austin.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am definitely still figuring out where I fit in the tattoo community in terms of style! I love the American traditional style, but I also love dabbling in illustrative, neotraditional, dotwork, and blackwork. I’m definitely most proud of my colorful tattoos, and I’m very strong in that aspect.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
You cannot please everybody! I wish I had been told that at the beginning.
Pricing:
- My minimum is $100.
- I require deposits to book appointments! Predrawn flash = $25 deposit, custom flash = $50 deposit.
Contact Info:
- Email: melissatattoosyou@gmail.com
- Website: www.pandasdentattoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/tattoosbymelissa
- Other: www.appointfix.com/tattoos-by-melissa
